South Korea's purchase of Brazil's C390 transport aircraft: a new option for midsize transport aircraft South Korea has shown more ambition in international affairs in recent years, and its aircraft procurement plans have also attracted attention. Recently, Embraer announced that the C390 will be the main transport aircraft of South Korea in the future, and this will be the first time that the aircraft will be used in Asia. This decision has raised concerns about the attractiveness of the C390 transport aircraft, as well as implications for other countries. As a medium-sized jet transport aircraft, the C390 transport aircraft has a unique appearance design and carrying capacity.
Its spacious cargo space can accommodate large armored vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and general-purpose and armed vehicles, which are versatile transport capabilities, have attracted the attention of many small and medium-sized countries. Although the specific purchase number and transaction details have not yet been disclosed, foreign media reported that South Korea will spend about 5$400 million for three KC390s,** including some parts and training. In addition, South Korea hopes to participate in the production of the C390 transport aircraft, with a view to developing a similar transport aircraft on its own in the future. This indicates that South Korea wants to lay the foundation for the development of its own defense industry by purchasing C390 transport aircraft.
From the perspective of comprehensive performance, the C390 transport aircraft has certain advantages compared with the C130 series of the United States and the Il-276 transport aircraft of Russia. In this context, China also showed the new Y-20B transport aircraft at the recent Dubai Air Show, and there is news that China intends to export the Y-20. However, due to the high cost and powerful performance of the Y-20**, there are only a limited number of countries suitable for export. Therefore, for China, it is imperative to develop a main transport aircraft suitable for export. Although China has not yet disclosed plans to develop a new transport aircraft, the development of a medium-sized transport aircraft is not difficult for China, using the C390 as a reference.
If China can launch a new transport aircraft with performance comparable to or even surpassing the C390 in recent years, and maintain high cost performance, it is believed that this will be warmly sought after by the market. The appeal of the C390 transport aircraft is not only reflected in its multi-functional carrying capacity, but also in its ability to stimulate the potential demand of other countries for new transport aircraft to be developed independently. For China, the development of medium-sized transport aircraft suitable for export is expected to become the "new favorite" in the international market. To sum up, it is necessary for China to speed up the development and production of its own military aircraft in order to enhance its international competitiveness.
In terms of military aircraft exports, it is recommended that China aim at the new growth point of medium-sized transport aircraft according to market demand, increase R&D investment, launch products with superior performance and reasonable quality, and expand export markets. What is your view on how China can further enhance the international competitiveness of its military aircraft?What other suggestions do you have for China's military aircraft exports?Looking forward to your message discussion.